Subcellular Organization of the Developing Cotyledons of Pisum Sativum L.

Morphological, anatomical, submicroscopical, and physiological changes in whole seeds and embryos of Pisum sativum L. cv. Victory Freezer were followed during 54 days of development of the seed. Four developmental phases-cell formation, cell expansion, synthesis of storage reserves, and maturation and dormancy-were recognized in the development of the embryo. Each phase was characterized by a distinctive physiology and a distinctive subcellular organization of the parenchyma cells. The subcellular organization associated with carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and the significance of membranes in cell organization is described.